EXPERTS have been offering their opinions on why swans in Southport appear to be turning pink.

The mystery condition, which some are calling “Pink Flamingo Syndrome”, seems to be affecting a number of swans on the Marine Lake, causing concern among local wildlife-lovers, one of whom says she has rescued 20 swans from the lake since September 2008.

Some theories suggest that the condition is life-threatening for swans, while others say it is caused by bacteria, and can be treated.

Andrew Smith, a wildlife supervisor for the RSPCA at Stapeley Grange, said: “The vast majority of the swans we are seeing coming in here with this condition are from Southport.

“It is referred to as pink feathering, although it is essentially a bit of a misnomer. Only in the early stages is there a pink tinge, after that it’s more of a muddy brown colour.

“It is thought to be a bacteria on the feathers, caused by the swan under-producing preen oil. This is likely to be the secondary effect to something else, but we don’t know what yet.

“One of the possible theories is a nutritional problem. There is research going on in America and we are keeping up to date with that. For now we are treating the swans and restoring them to health.”

Swan Rescue, the group that works to protect the birds in Southport, confirmed that they have known of the problem for some time.

No-one knows for sure what causes the condition, and experts are researching the theory it is the result of a Cryptosporidium bacteria infection, but if left untreated the birds feathers’ lose their water resistance and the swans become dangerously waterlogged.

Nigel Jarrett, an avicultural specialist for the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust said: “It could be due to feather mites, which create a look of blood staining on the feathers, or it could be caused by fungal growth. Neither of these are likely to kill a bird, but if the bird was in poor condition it would attract parasites. There is also a possibility it could be due to pollution.”

Swan Rescue co-ordinator Gwen Barton added that the problem of malnutrition made the swans more susceptible to diseases.

“Between January 10 and 16 we’ve had 10 swans down to the wildlife hospital,” she said. “I think a lot of it is a shortage of food, some of them get Bumble Foot, lead positioning and they’re losing weight.”

Andrew Smith agreed that it was vital to ensure swans were eating the right sort of food, adding: “We would always encourage people to feed their swans poultry corn, rather than bread, so they get the nutrients they need.”